Sales strategy...opinion please - DPChallenge Forums

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

12/28/2007 11:40:06 PM · #1

Okay...more on the art show I'm preparing for.

Do you think I should have on hand basically one of each print I offer, or should I have less choices, but more quantities of ones that I think (don't know for sure yet since this is my first attempt at anything like this) will sell better? I can't afford to do both.

Edited to add: In doing any client work thus far, I am constantly surprised by the choices they make as to favorites ...someimes it's the proof I almost didn't give them because I thought it was bad! Hence, my question about choices...

Message edited by author 2007-12-28 23:41:37.

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/29/2007 12:36:18 AM · #2

I've been planning to enter some art shows (for years now) and the photographers at those shows have given me some suggestions. The three suggestions that I remember most are:

1. Have some continuity in what you show. Don't show all that you've got, but rather show variations on a theme or two. It helps to keep the customers eye from aimlessly bouncing around and not landing on something. I am working on a series of mangrove shots, for example, and I want to have a series of at five.

2. Go big. I have been told several times to skip the smaller prints (or have them just in case) and display very large, possibly panoramic prnts.

3. Charge plenty and make it worth your while.

I haven't started yet, but this is the advice that I have been given that I remember the most.

12/29/2007 11:53:42 AM · #3

Originally posted by yakatme:

Thanks for the advice! I don't have much in the way of a "series" of prints. I just shoot what I like :) I do plan to display like-themed shots together. I will actually have two free-standing display stands. On one, I planned to have my Scripture photos and local city / poster type shots. On the other, I was going to place my more scenic and art type prints.

Any one else care to answer my question?

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

12/30/2007 01:19:58 AM · #4

Well, I didn't get much feedback on my question. I think I've decided to go with having more variety because I know I'd keep second guessing myself about which prints to have available.

What I might do, since it's a two day show, is to offer to "hold" the purchase (and therefore keep it displayed) until the end of the show when they can either pick it up, or I can provide free delivery after the show (within a reasonable milage radius.) That way, I could still take orders from prints that may have already sold - and the purchasers have the bonus of not having to carry around the print.

I'm still open to opinions or other possibilities in doing this set up.

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/30/2007 09:08:45 AM · #5

Judy, it's a shame that nobody else came forward with advice for you because I know that I have seen others here who have experience with selling their work at shows.

I did some looking in my favorites to see if I could locate some useful links for you and I did find one. The one supports my suggestion of what they call "The importance of a unified body of work". Look down the page to this paragraph to better understand what I was talking about.

This article also has a lot more useful information on selling at art shows. I hope that this post serves as a timely bump so that other DPC'ers with art show experience will see this thread and offer their suggestions.

Shutterbug Magazine - Insider Report: Sell Your Photography at Art Shows

edit to add I found another saved link in my favorites. This one from DPreview has responses in terms of numbers and information like what we normally see here on this site.

Message edited by author 2007-12-30 09:13:21.

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM

12/30/2007 08:17:23 PM · #6

Hi,

Just saw this post.

I have done just a few local shows. At the first couple, I took some of everything i.e., flowers, macro shots, abstracts, nature, which let me see what the more popular photos were. From there, I picked a subject and kept to that for a few more shows. Basically, from what I have seen, photographers stick to a category; i.e., local landscapes, wildlife, flowers, and almost all of their items for sale relate to that category. Unfortunately, I didn't make very much, but the feedback was invaluable. People really like to talk to the photographer. I also checked out the other photographer's booths and the photographers were very helpful. Many offered advice as to good places to shoot nature locally, what equipment they use, and how they started out. Many had small items with their work on it, such as notecards, for people who liked the work but were hesitant to invest in a photograph. You should also have business cards available to give out. Your work is great and I hope you enjoy this experience - I am sure you will want to do more!

Bj